lays

They came. We tasted them. And one conquered. After three months of devouring Cappuccino, Wasabi Ginger, Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese and Mango Salsa chips, America voted on a winner of the Lay’s Do Us a Flavor contest: Meneko Spigner McBeth and her Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked chips!

We caught up with Meneko, a registered nurse from Debtford, NJ, to find out about her ‘Do Us a Flavor’ experience.

RR: So, how does it feel to know America chose your idea as the next Lay’s flavor?

MSM: It feels amazing. I think I’m still in a little bit of shock but overall it feels great.

RR: What was your inspiration behind Wasabi Ginger?

MSM: My inspiration was my grandmother, who is Japanese. I grew up cooking with her and making sushi and she would always have hers with wasabi. As a kid, I wasn’t allowed to have wasabi but when I got older I fell in love. I love spicy things in general.

RR: Did you consider any other flavors to enter?MSM: I actually did. I entered quite a few more, at least 10, but Wasabi Ginger was my first entry.

RR: Can you give us any insight into the creation and flavoring process?MSM: This year, when you entered you were able to pick the type of chip and also give your three main ingredients. Mine were wasabi, ginger and soy sauce. Back in July, we went to the Lay’s headquarters and tried out all four of the finalists’ flavors, too.

RR: Any thoughts as to what dip would go best with this chip?MSM: I think the chip is delicious on its own but I’m sure you can put it with just about anything you want and it’ll be good. I stick to just sitting in front of the TV and eating them solo.

RR: Do you think you could use these chips in any recipes?MSM: During the voting process, someone sent me a message saying they took the chip, crushed it up and used it as breading on their chicken. I think I might try that.

Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked chips are now a part of the official Lay’s family and will arrive on grocery shelves very soon. Congrats again, Meneko!

Last month we heard the exciting news about four new Lay’s Do Us A Flavor chips soon to be hitting shelves. Today, the Every Day with Rachael Ray staff got their hands on three out of the four flavors, and the results are in.

Wasabi Ginger (our fave) had a nice kettle-cooked crunch and was reminiscent of wasabi peas, with the perfect amount of heat.

Cappuccino had a very potent artificial sweetened coffee smell, but there’s just something about coffee beans and fried potatoes that didn’t sit well on our palates.

Mango Salsa, though it smelled less offensive, tasted like mango bath soap. The fake flavor lingered for far too long.

Potato chip fanatics are in for a real treat today. Today, Frito-Lay announced the four finalist flavors that’ll be hitting shelves for the second annual “Do Us a Flavor” contest. The flavors include Cappuccino, Wasabi Ginger, Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese and Mango Salsa, and will be available nationwide later this month until October 18th — meaning there’s plenty of time to sample all four! Then, you can vote for your favorite flavor, and the creator of the most popular pick will win $1 million.

Image courtesy of Frito-Lay

Lays hopes this contest will help them keep up with America’s changing taste perferences. There have been many Asian- and Hispanic-inspired flavors added to their offerings, including Sriracha, a finalist from last year’s contest, fajita-flavored Tostitos, and two new Lays Stax flavors of Korean Barbecue and Thai Sweet Chili. Which flavor do you want to try most?

Now that we’ve got you in the mood for chips, check out our homemade chip recipes to satisfy your cravings until the new flavors are released!